Read More

Fianna Fail councillor Damien O'Reilly said Mr Cox is a "cornerstone of the community".

He told the Irish Mirror: "He has done huge work locally. Sean is heavily involved in the community and the local GAA community.

"Everyone in the area is shocked and we are thinking of him at the tough time.

"We are all praying for a speedy recovery."

St Pete's GAA club said in a statement: "Sean is a long serving and popular member of St Peter's GAA Club in Dunboyne. At this point we hope that Sean is receiving all of the medical care he requires and that he makes a full and speedy recovery.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Sean and his family, and we hope that they get the privacy and space they need."

Uefa are 'shocked by the incident' and could take further disciplinary action - while Roma have slammed their fans for 'bringing shame to their club'.

Police were called to the Albert pub at about 7.35pm, prior to the Champions League clash against Roma and he was taken to Walton Neurological Centre where his condition is described as 'critical.'

In video footage a Liverpool fan is seen lying motionless in the road outside Anfield with after Roma ultras brandished belts during violent clashes.

A steward is seen making his way towards him and then tries to shield him from the violence.

Roma fans seen using belts (circled) as weapons before the match (Image: Dan Roan/Twitter)

Detective Inspector Paul Speight said: “We believe the victim was in Liverpool, with his brother, for the Liverpool versus Roma semi-final and was assaulted during an altercation between Roma and Liverpool fans near to the Albert pub at about 7.35pm.

“Witnesses report that the victim was hit with a belt and then fell to the ground.

"Paramedics treated him at the scene and he was taken by ambulance to Walton Neurological Centre, where he is being treated for a head injury.

"His condition is currently described as critical and his next of kin have been informed.

(Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)

“The place where this incident occurred is right by the ground and was heaving with fans making their way to the game.

"I would appeal to anyone who has any information, or mobile phone footage of the incident to contact us urgently, as information they have could be vital to our investigation.”

AS Roma have 'condemn abhorrent behavior' of some of their travelling supporters.

A statement read: "AS Roma condemns in the strongest possible terms the abhorrent behaviour of a small minority of traveling fans who brought shame on the club and the vast majority of Roma’s well-behaved supporters at Anfield after getting involved in clashes with Liverpool supporters before last night’s fixture."

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Roma could even face further sanctions after the attack - with some calls for them to be expelled from the Champions League.

A Uefa statement read: "We are deeply shocked by the vile attack that occurred ahead of the match. Our thoughts are with the victim and his family.

"The perpetrators of this ignominious attack have no place in and around football and we trust they will be dealt with utmost severity by the authorities.

"Uefa is waiting to receive full reports before deciding on potential disciplinary charges."

Home fans greet the Liverpool team coach on Arkles Lane (Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)

Liverpool Football Club said they are "shocked and appalled after a Liverpool supporter was left in a critical condition having been attacked prior to the Champions League fixture against AS Roma."

They added: "Our thoughts, in the first instance, are with the victim and his family at this very traumatic time. We will be offering them our full support.

"The club has been liaising with the emergency services since the incident occurred and will continue to do so. "

(Image: Getty Images Europe)

Before the game, a Liverpool posted a video online, describing the carnage.

He said: "I tried to meet my mate here and then all the Roma fans with their belts, they tried to hit the Liverpool fans. They were aggressive and offensive."

Merseyside Police confirmed that nine men, aged between 20 and 43 years, were arrested for various offences before and after the match.

These include attempted murder, affray, Section 47 assault, possession of offensive weapons, possession of a controlled drug, criminal damage and being drunk and disorderly.

Detectives are asking that anyone with mobile phone footage of the violence comes forward.

A view of The Albert pub on Walton Breck Road after the semi final (Image: PA)

Chief Superintendent Dave Charnock added: “We will be reviewing CCTV footage, our own body worn camera footage and working with the club to identify those involved in any of these incidents so we can put them before the courts.

“And I would appeal to anyone who has any information, or mobile phone footage, in relation to any of these incidents to contact us."

Anyone with information can contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC. You can also call 101.

Nine people arrested after violence

• A 20-year-old man from Rome was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed

• A 29-year-old man from Rome was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed

• A 38-year-old from Italy was arrested on suspicion of affray and possession of an offensive weapon and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed

• A 28-year-old man from Italy was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage to a seat and for throwing items inside Anfield and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed

• A 35-year-old man from Ealing was arrested on suspicion of Section 47 assault and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed

• A 28-year-old man from Italy was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed

• A 35-year-old man from Thurrock was arrested for affray and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed

• A 40-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and issued with a fixed penalty notice

• A 42-year-old man from Stockbridge Village was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug (cocaine) and issued with a caution